THE end of an era but the start of a new one has been celebrated with the handing over of the keys to Colchester United's new stadium.

Annie Davidson

THE end of an era but the start of a new one has been celebrated with the handing over of the keys to Colchester United's new stadium.

The U's have now officially moved into the Weston Homes Community Stadium at Cuckoo Farm and shut the doors at their old home in Layer Road for the last time.

They began to move on to their new turf on Thursday and were given the keys yesterday by contractor Barr, which will complete some external works at the ground during the next few days.

The stadium will be used by the community and be available for conferences as well as being the new home Colchester United has been wanting for 35 years.

Colchester borough councillor Lyn Barton, portfolio holder for planning and regeneration, said: “The completion of the Weston Homes Community Stadium is the culmination of a tremendous deal of effort by all the partners.

“The facility is a fantastic high quality landmark building for Colchester which with the ability to be used and enjoyed by a wide variety of residents and visitors will be a great advertisement for the borough and the region.”

On Sunday, items from the former ground at Layer Road were auctioned off to the public ahead of the land being sold for housing.

Everything from portable toilets to exit signs were snapped up by football fans. Colchester United had been based at Layer Road since 1937.